Top 50 Celebs Who Left Fame Behind

#50: Charlie Korsmo

Despite starring in the comedy flick “What About Bob?”, the real question is “What happened to Charlie Korsmo?” The answer is pretty simple. The child star quit acting, went to college, and even worked for the House of Representatives for a spell. It’s a far cry from his early days, where you could see his youthful energy in movies like the aforementioned “What About Bob?” and the live-action “Hook.” Korsmo’s only been in projects since the turn of the millennium, and since he now serves as a corporate law and finance professor, something tells us that number won’t be going up any time soon.

#49: Rei Hance

Don’t worry if you don’t recognize the name. Most people will only know this actress by her earlier moniker, Heather Donahue. The “Blair Witch” actress was unceremoniously catapulted into stardom due to the film’s explosive success. But, since the found-footage story used her real name and likeness, it also made it difficult for Hance to get other work. Or, live a normal life, for that matter. So, in 2008, Hance officially retired from acting, and later changed her name. She’s been off the grid ever since, and is probably happier that way.

#48: Willa Ford

The music industry is fickle. One minute, you’re at the top, and the next, you’re a washed-up has-been. Willa Ford definitely started strong with her hit “I Wanna Be Bad” in 2001. But, she couldn’t springboard that success into any of her future albums, which ranged from disappointing to flat-out misfires. To her credit, Ford saw the writing on the wall, and quietly dipped out of the music business to pursue another passion; interior design. She’s made a few guest appearances on TV and released the occasional track, but for the most part, Ford seems content with her new path.

#47: Danny Lloyd

It’s not always a good thing to say your acting career peaked at the age of six. But, then again, Danny Lloyd wanted it that way. Plus, if you’re going to put all your eggs into one basket, Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” is a good choice. Lloyd’s performance as the young Danny Torrance should have turned him into the child star of the century. But, instead, he stepped back from acting, grew up, and is reportedly an associate professor in Kentucky. Outside of a cameo in 2019’s “Doctor Sleep,” Lloyd has happily left Hollywood behind.

#46: Staci Keanan

It’s every teen’s dream to star in an iconic sitcom. And Staci Keanan had two! She spent her teenage years on “My Two Dads” and “Step by Step.” She continued to dabble in acting throughout the 2000s, but after graduating cum laude from UCLA, her output became more and more scarce. Then, in 2013, Keanan informally stepped away from the business, instead practicing law under her birth name, Anastasia Sagorsky. As of 2021, she’s an adjunct associate college professor for Southwestern Law School. For those keeping track, the “child-star-to-college-professor” pipeline is looking pretty foolproof at this point!

#45: Lark Voorhies

It’s hard to book a role in Hollywood, and harder to book one on a popular show. Lark Voorhies did both with “Saved by the Bell,” and became an overnight sensation. Unfortunately, when the show ended, so did her popularity. Voorhies struggled finding parts of the same caliber as Lisa Turtle, and slowly pivoted her work into writing, having independently published several self-help books. That, alongside a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, has kept her busy. But, not too busy to return to Bayside High School for the “Saved by the Bell” revival. It wouldn’t have been the same without her!

#44: Al Green

When you have eleven Grammy’s, it’s safe to say your legacy is set in stone. Al Green certainly thought so. Though, the actual reasoning for changing his sound varies depending on who you ask. The prolific soul singer was going through a rough patch in the 70s, both critically and commercially. When he fell off a stage during a performance, Green took that as a sign from God to pursue a new direction. He became an ordained pastor, and began releasing Gospel music. While still commercially successful, this marked change in style implied that Green was bowing out of mainstream music. It didn’t last, though, and he was back to breaking records with soul music by the 80s.

#43: Kris Humphries

In between shooting free-throws in the NBA, Kris Humphries made headlines for his off-court shenanigans with Kim Kardashian. Their high-profile, 72-day marriage ended in a cataclysmic media storm, and Humphries apparently doesn’t want to go through it again. In 2019, after thirteen years on the court, the basketball player hung up his professional jersey for the last time. Ever since, he’s stayed away from the game and the media. Last we heard, Humphries was pursuing several business ventures, dabbling in both fast food and real estate. It’s the kind of profession that won’t put his life under a microscope, that’s for sure.

#42: Andrew Shue

Given all the backstabs, affairs, and juicy scandals that filled “Melrose Place’s” scandalous storylines, it makes sense that leading man Andrew Shue felt he’d had enough drama for one career. So, when the show ended in 1998, he bid Hollywood goodbye. In the decades since, Shue’s only appeared in two projects, one of which he wrote and produced, and another where he went uncredited. He’s stayed plenty busy, though, founding a nonprofit and a social media platform, on top of raising several kids. It’s the best kind of drama-free life you could ask for.

#41: Mike Vitar

Who would’ve guessed Benny the Jet would grow up to be a firefighter? “The Sandlot” is all kinds of iconic, in no small part because of its exceptional cast. But, despite all that acclaim, actor Mike Vitar had another calling. In 1997, as he graduated high school, Vitar left acting behind to become a firefighter. Reportedly, he’s still a Los Angeles native to this day. Only, now, he’s putting out fires instead of heading to set or learning lines. As legendary as “The Sandlot” may be, at this point, Vitar has been a firefighter over three times longer than he was an actor.

#40: Jamie Walters

If you don’t remember the name, you probably know the voice. Jamie Walters starred in and sang the opening theme to “The Heights.” While the show only lasted a season, the song topped the charts and surged its vocalist to utter stardom. He followed it up with a memorable stint on “Beverly Hills, 90210” before… well, fizzingly out completely. Walters refocused on music after, but each successive album performed worse than the last. In 2002, he dropped it entirely, and instead became a paramedic and firefighter. Wait, is there an echo in here?

#39: Carrie Henn

The nine-year-old girl behind Newt had no acting experience prior to her debut in “Aliens,” and she has very few credits after the franchise, either. Carrie Henn is her name, and though she endeared herself to moviegoers everywhere, she decided to throw in the acting towel after “Aliens.” What’s she doing now, you ask? She got married, had a kid, and is an elementary school teacher in California. Henn hasn’t returned to acting, but she doesn’t ignore her “Alien” roots, either. You can still see her at the occasional convention or press interview, where she’s happy to talk about all things Xenomorph.

#38: Lucas Babin

Who ever said you have to choose between beauty and brains? For the first part of his career, Lucas Babin was a fashion model known for his eclectic roles in comedies like “School of Rock.” But, after getting his fill, Babin opted for a change of pace and went into law. In 2018, the actor-turned-lawyer was elected district attorney of Tyler County, Texas. He even spearheaded an indictment against Netflix for their release of the controversial film, “Cuties.” If that’s not a metaphor for how little Babin wants to return to acting, we don’t know what is.

#37: Erik Per Sullivan

For seven seasons, Dewey stole scenes as the chaotic little brother of “Malcolm in the Middle.” But, he’ll look different in the reboot. Original actor Erik Per Sullivan has been out of the Hollywood machine for several years, and he doesn’t seem motivated to return any time soon. He hasn’t been seen since the 2010 film, “Twelve.” Instead, Per Sullivan has been committed to his studies, and is allegedly pursuing a master’s degree at Harvard. Even though you won’t see him at cast panels or reunions, he’s apparently still supportive of the show’s legacy. Just in his own, quiet way.

#36: Ariana Richards

Actors are artists in their own way. But, in the case of Ariana Richards, she became an artist in a more traditional sense. After running away from dinosaurs in “Jurassic Park,” the child star appeared here and there while honing her art skills. Within a few years, Richards had begun to focus more exclusively on her paintings. She’s still game for a project every now and then. But, if you really want to see Richards at work, you’re more likely to find it at an exhibit than a movie theatre.

#35: Macaulay Culkin

Let’s not mince words, “Home Alone” is simply iconic, and no one else could have brought Kevin McCallister to life quite like Macaulay Culkin. Afterwards, he had a stranglehold on kids’ roles. But, that fame is a lot for a child to deal with, and soon, the routine grew old. Seeking a more normal life, Culkin gave up acting after “Richie Rich.” He returned to the profession a few years later, notably joining the cast of "Fallout" in its second season. Though Culkin is back on screen, he continues to lay low and prioritize his family, his music and his personal life.

#34: Leelee Sobieski

The 1991 film, “Deep Impact,” had a big, well, impact on one of its stars. For almost twenty years after, Leelee Sobieski was a busy actor on both the big and small screen. But, in 2012, she made the decision to leave it all behind and focus on her family. By 2014, she had two little ones to take care of. Sobieski found another artistic outlet with abstract paintings and sculptures, and opened an exhibit a few years later. She uses her married surname for her artistic endeavors, seemingly proving that she’s over Hollywood for good.

#33: Jennette McCurdy

If you’ve read her memoir, “I'm Glad My Mom Died,” you know exactly why this “iCarly” star has stayed away from TV cameras. Without getting into the nitty gritty, let’s just say McCurdy has a very complicated relationship with acting. As a result, she didn’t return for the “iCarly” reboot. Actually, she sparsely appears on camera at all anymore. Instead, McCurdy has channeled her energy into writing and directing, including an adaptation of “I'm Glad My Mom Died.” After all the pain she endured, it’s reassuring to see McCurdy carve a worthwhile place for herself behind the scenes.

#32: Eliza Dushku

When they say it’s never too late to follow your dreams, they really mean it. Even though Eliza Dushku had spent decades making a name for herself in projects like “Bring It On” and “Dollhouse,” she didn’t let that stop her from beginning anew. In 2017, she stopped accepting roles, and in 2024, officially announced her retirement from acting. As it turns out, she spent the interim becoming a certified therapist. Now, Dushku boasts a masters degree in mental health counseling, and spends her days helping trauma victims. So, we’ll say it again - it’s never too late!

#31: Geena Davis

A rising star cut short by a disastrous bomb called “Cutthroat Island,” it seemed Geena Davis wasn’t long for the choppy waters of Hollywood. But, she trudged on. The work was spotty at best, so Davis rolled up her sleeves and created a whole organization dedicated to improving the amount of female roles in film. And, wouldn’t you know, it helped her own career too! After spending most of the 2000s behind the scenes, Davis reemerged in the 2010s with a newfound surge of popularity. She’s working more consistently now than she has in decades. Apparently, a break is just what the doctor ordered.

#30: Terrence Howard

Before stepping away from stardom in 2022, Terrence Howard had already built an impressive acting career. You might not recall his earlier roles in “Dead Presidents” or “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” but you’ll definitely remember him as Colonel Rhodes in 2008’s “Iron Man.” Unfortunately, he was replaced by Don Cheadle in “Iron Man 2,” with reports suggesting it was due to his refusal to accept a pay cut. Despite this, Howard bounced back big time as Lucious Lyon in the smash hit “Empire.” After reprising his role as Quentin in “The Best Man” franchise one last time, he announced that he was stepping away from Hollywood. He’s certainly acted since then, though, so maybe there’s more to come.

#29: Portia De Rossi

What do you do when you want to try something new or more challenging? For Portia De Rossi, it meant leaving an enviable acting career behind to start a business. De Rossi rose to fame in the late 90s as Nelle Porter on “Ally McBeal,” earning a SAG award for her performance. Her next notable success was “Arrested Development,” which boosted her career even more. However, in a 2018 appearance on“The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” Portia surprised fans by announcing her retirement from acting. One big reason for this? She wasn’t comfortable with all that publicity. She went on to launch an art curation company called General Public, serving as its CEO. She did made a brief comeback for “Arrested Development’s” fifth season, though.

#28: Teddy Dunn

Fame may be everything to some - but to others, not so much. Just ask Teddy Dunn. He had a brief but memorable presence in Hollywood, popping up in shows like “Gilmore Girls” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” But of course, his most famous role was as Duncan Kane in “Veronica Mars.” Even though he played a major role in the series, midway through season 2, he disappeared, leaving fans with many questions. Fast forward to leaving acting, and Dunn secured a law degree. As of 2020, has been serving as an assistant United States attorney in Washington D.C. This just goes to show there are many things that can be more fulfilling than chasing Hollywood fame.

#27: MC Hammer

Back in the early 90s, if you weren’t jamming to “U Can’t Touch This,” could you even call yourself a true hip-hop fan? The song was a massive hit and MC Hammer was everywhere, becoming the first hip-hop artist to earn diamond status. With his catchy lyrics, Hammer pants and high-energy dance moves, he became a pop-rap icon. But his meteoric rise didn’t last. By the mid-90s, the rapper’s popularity dipped and he ran into deep financial troubles. Despite the hit to his fame and fortune, Hammer never fully walked away from music. He kept going on tours, performing at concerts, and appearing in TV commercials. He’s still respected for his community works and seen as a pioneer for making rap mainstream.

#26: Bridgit Mendler

From Disney star to space CEO! Yep, Bridgit Mendler’s career glow-up was seriously next-level. In the early 2010s, Bridgit was a huge name, especially for Disney fans. She stole the show as Teddy Duncan in “Good Luck Charlie” and rocked the stage in “Lemonade Mouth.” Plus her catchy songs turned her into a full-on pop sensation. But instead of sticking around in Hollywood, Mendler pulled a major plot twist. Stepping away from acting, she dove into academics and crushed it. After enrolling at MIT and Harvard, she became the co-founder and CEO of Northwood Space. Total powerhouse move. Oh and Jennifer Stone? She’s another Disney star who made a U-turn too, leaving acting to pursue a career in nursing.

#25: Karyn Parsons

During the six-season run of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Karyn Parsons played Hilary, the stylish cousin of Will Smith’s character. Her performance made the character a big-time fan favorite, contributing significantly to the show’s lasting popularity. But after the series ended, things became rocky for Parsons. She struggled to land roles that matched that level of success, and even her own projects failed to take off. Gradually, she disappeared from the limelight, but found purpose elsewhere. Parsons started Sweet Blackberry, a non-profit organisation dedicated to bringing lesser-known stories of Black history to children through books and animation. A rewarding pivot, for sure. Parsons tried returning to acting several years later but couldn’t stage a major comeback.

#24: Ian Somerhalder

First, he grabbed everyone’s attention as Boone on “Lost.” Then he stole hearts as the dangerously charming Damon Salvatore in “The Vampire Diaries.” These high-profile shows skyrocketed Ian Somerhalder’s fame - yet he didn’t remain in Hollywood’s spotlight for long. After starring in Netflix's “V Wars,” which was later cancelled, Somerhalder quietly vanished from acting for five years. Between raising his children with actress Nikki Reed, engaging in environmental activism and running a farming business, his priorities probably changed. In a 2024 interview, he confirmed that he had stepped away from acting. You might wonder why when he could still find other roles. Maybe he just found a new path that fit the life he wanted at the moment.

#23: Peter Ostrum

Remember Charlie from “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory?” That’s Peter Ostrum and yes, he charted an unusual path unlike most child stars. After starring in the film, Ostrum never acted in any other, even turning down a three-film deal for “Willy Wonka.” He was so reluctant to talk about his one-time role that at some point, he made people believe it was his brother who played Charlie. Instead of Hollywood, something else stole his heart. After returning from filming “Willy Wonka,” Ostrum was fascinated by the work of the veterinarian who cared for his family’s horses and decided to become a vet himself. Over the years, he has happily kept the tradition of sharing stories about his one-time stardom with curious fans.

#22: Jeff Cohen

“The Goonies” is a cornerstone of 80s pop culture and Jeff Cohen was a big part of what made it so memorable. He might look different today, but back then, he was the clumsy, hilarious Chunk who brought a lot of warmth to the group. Well, not long after his breakout role, Cohen stepped away from acting, went to law school and became an entertainment lawyer - a successful one at that. He was last seen in a film in the 1991 flick, “Perfect Harmony.” Like Cohen, Kerri Green who plays Andy in “The Goonies” also faded from the limelight after the film and a few other notable ones.

#21: Grace Kelly

From Hollywood royalty to actual royalty - Grace Kelly’s life was the stuff of fairy tales. In the early 1950s, she was a popular movie star known for her elegance and poised presence on screen. She even snagged an Academy Award for “The Country Girl,” where she proved she could play something different from her usual glamorous roles. But at the peak of her career, Kelly shocked the world by retiring from acting at age 26 to marry Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Fully embracing her duty as Princess, she closed the curtain on her Hollywood chapter. Sadly, at age 52, Grace passed away in a car crash. But she will always be remembered as a symbol of timeless grace and old Hollywood appeal.

#20. Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen

These famous twins have been working since they were nine months old. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen began their career as infants, sharing the role of Michelle Tanner on the ABC sitcom “Full House.” Even while the show aired, they appeared in other films and TV shows, eventually founding their own production company, Dualstar, in 1993. However, as the 2000s rolled around, they set their sights on a much different path: fashion. In 2006, they launched their luxury fashion brand, The Row, and soon left Hollywood entirely to fully concentrate on it. Although they still occasionally make the news, Mary-Kate and Ashley no longer command the kind of media attention they once did, which suits them just fine.

#19: Michael Schoeffling

For a brief period in the 1980s, Michael Schoeffling seemed poised to become a Hollywood superstar. Schoeffling’s debut as Jake Ryan in 1984’s “Sixteen Candles” made him an instant teen heartthrob. It was the perfect springboard for a flourishing career, but things just never really lined up perfectly for Schoeffling afterwards. Although he went on to star in a number of films, including “Vision Quest” and “Mermaids,” Schoeffling never quite attained the level of fame many believed he would. In between acting jobs, he took up carpentry and began making furniture. This eventually became his full-time career as he gave up acting completely following 1991’s “Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.”

#18: Nikki Blonsky

Many struggling actors in Hollywood dream of the kind of opportunity Nikki Blonsky had. As a high school student, Blonsky auditioned for “Hairspray,” beating out over a thousand aspirants for the role of Tracy Turnblad. She couldn’t have asked for a better screen debut, as it earned her two Critics’ Choice Awards and a Golden Globe nomination. However, maintaining that momentum proved challenging. Despite playing the lead on ABC Family’s “Huge,” the show only lasted one season and the roles dried up soon after. The New York native later obtained a cosmetology license and began working as a hairstylist and make-up artist in her hometown. While she still appears sporadically in films, Blonsky hasn’t reclaimed the level of fame she once enjoyed - unless you count her crazy Cameos!

#17: Angus T. Jones

Angus T. Jones became a household name in the 2000s, thanks to his role in the popular CBS sitcom “Two and a Half Men.” During this period, he was the highest-paid child actor on TV, reportedly earning $300,000 per episode. In late 2012, at the peak of his fame, Jones suddenly announced that he was done appearing on the show. This was because he had been baptized and was turned off by the sitcom’s mature content, which he later described as “filth.” Jones ultimately left “Two and a Half Men” after 10 seasons and largely retreated from the spotlight. He has since worked as an executive in a multimedia company, but now expresses a desire to return to acting someday.

#16: Amanda Bynes

This former child star first rose to prominence on the Nickelodeon sketch series “All That,” before landing her own program, “The Amanda Show.” Bynes then progressed to teen idol with roles in successful comedies like “Big Fat Liar” and “What a Girl Wants.” In 2010, after a prominent part in “Easy A,” Bynes announced she was taking an indefinite break from acting. Subsequently, she faced a slew of legal troubles and grappled with substance use disorder, which led to her being placed under a conservatorship. Despite overcoming these challenges and ending the conservatorship, Bynes doesn’t seem ready to return to the screen. Instead, in 2023, she decided to pursue a new career as a manicurist.

#15: Jonathan Taylor Thomas

Jonathan Taylor Thomas soared to immense fame in the ‘90s, gracing the covers of countless magazines and adorning the bedroom walls of many teenage girls. Thomas gained popularity thanks to his role as Randy Taylor on the ABC sitcom “Home Improvement.” He earned further recognition for voicing young Simba in “The Lion King” and the titular character in the 1996 film “The Adventures of Pinocchio.” In 1998, Thomas decided to exit “Home Improvement,” directing his attention towards getting a degree from Harvard. While his presence in the limelight has significantly waned since then, Thomas stands by his decision wholeheartedly. These days, he’s more focused on working behind the camera, taking on directing and screenwriting roles.

#14: Phoebe Cates

The 1980s were a significant era for teen comedy movies, many of which became classics and launched their young actors into stardom. One of such rising stars was Phoebe Cates. Born to a family of Hollywood insiders, Cates began her career as a dancer and model, before venturing into acting. Her breakthrough came with 1982’s “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” followed by another success with “Gremlins” two years later. In 1989, Cates got married to fellow actor Kevin Kline, with whom she welcomed two children. By the mid-90s, Cates decided to scale back on acting and prioritize raising her family. She eventually opened a boutique in New York City called Blue Tree, which she continues to oversee.

#13: Steven Seagal

Love him or hate him, but you can’t deny the fact that Steven Seagal had Hollywood in a chokehold during the ‘90s. At the outset of the decade, Seagal was largely unknown, but by its end, he had become one of Hollywood’s most prominent action stars, even though he essentially played the same character in every film. However, as the 21st century progressed, Seagal’s star diminished significantly, relegated to a string of laughably bad direct-to-video releases. Concurrently, his association with Russia grew stronger, and he was granted citizenship to the country in 2016. He has not appeared in a film since 2019, the year following his appointment as Russia’s special envoy to the U.S.

#12: Bridget Fonda

Born into the renowned Fonda acting dynasty, Bridget Fonda began her career at the tender age of five. Throughout the late ‘80s and ‘90s, she worked tirelessly, starring in notable films like “The Godfather Part III” and “Jackie Brown.” Fonda continued to act until 2002 when she abruptly decided to retire from the spotlight for a much quieter life. The following year, she suffered a serious car accident that fractured her back, and later got married to film composer Danny Elfman. Since her retirement, Fonda has maintained a very low profile, only resurfacing in 2009 for the premiere of Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds.” When asked if she would consider returning to the silver screen, Fonda dismissed the notion completely.

#11: Shirley Temple

During the Great Depression, Shirley Temple became a beacon of hope and joy for many Americans. Temple rose to fame as a child actress in the 1930s, captivating audiences worldwide with her talent, charm and signature curly hair. At the height of her career, she was one of Hollywood’s biggest sensations and the leading box-office draw. However, as Temple grew older, her box-office success declined, leading her to retire from the big screen at the age of 22. Subsequently, Temple pursued a career in politics and was appointed as a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly by President Richard Nixon. She would go on to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia.

#10: Greta Garbo

You can’t talk about the biggest stars of old Hollywood without mentioning Greta Garbo. During the era of silent films, the Swedish actress was a sensation. Even when talkies took over, Garbo managed to stay on top despite fears her Swedish accent would be a problem. But what really added to her legend is how she walked away from Hollywood when she was still at the height of fame. After starring in “Ninotchka” and her final film, “Two-Faced Woman,” Garbo retired and never came back. No comebacks, no appearances - nothing! For years people wondered why, but Garbo refused to tell even friends. She eventually told a Swedish biographer that she hated her work and simply wanted a life away from fame.

#9: Dylan Sprouse

One half of the Sprouse twins – the child actors famous for their roles in “Big Daddy” and “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” – Dylan and his brother Cole have enjoyed steady acting work nearly their entire lives. But while Cole landed the role of Jughead on “Riverdale” and starred in the 2019 film “Five Feet Apart,” Dylan has taken a radically different path in life. In 2011, Dylan began studying video game design at the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, graduating in 2015. Three years later, he opened the All-Wise Meadery in Brooklyn. He has also dabbled in acting throughout the years, albeit in smaller, intimate projects; nothing like the big, mainstream work he used to do.

#8: Freddie Prinze Jr

In the late '90s and early 2000s, you couldn’t walk into a movie theater without seeing this guy’s face plastered on a poster or six. That changed some time around 2004, right after the release of “Scooby-Doo 2.” It was around then that he transitioned to voice work, an industry he has remained in ever since. You may have heard his voice in “Mass Effect 3” or “Star Wars Rebels.” It’s still acting work – just not the kind that attracts the paparazzi. Although, for what it's worth, he did make a return to the silver screen for the “I Know What You Did Last Summer” reboot. However, Prinze Jr has primarily focused his attention in other fields. He co-wrote a cookbook with Rachel Wharton and served as a producer and director for the WWE. Yes, really.

#7: Jack Gleeson

You may not know Jack Gleeson by name, but you certainly know his face, his oh so once punchable face. That’s right – Joffrey Baratheon! Gleeson earned renown and acclaim for playing the slimy Baratheon... Lannister?... child, but it seems like acting wasn’t for him. Gleeson announced his retirement after wrapping up “Game of Thrones,” telling Entertainment Weekly that he had stopped enjoying it and didn’t want to turn it into a lifelong career. He subsequently studied theology and philosophy at Dublin’s Trinity College, where he graduated in 2015. Five years later, Gleeson returned to the screen, albeit in much more muted roles than the one he gained popularity for.

#6: Mara Wilson

'90s kids will undoubtedly remember Mara Wilson as that adorable little actress from movies like “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Matilda.” Unfortunately, Wilson quickly grew disillusioned with the prospect of acting and the fame that came with it. In a 2012 blog post, Wilson addressed the various reasons for her early retirement, including the lack of creative freedom, the “ridiculous” celebrity aspect, and the “dehumanizing” audition process. And while she has left acting behind, she is still in the creative fields. She has lent her voice to “BoJack Horseman” and the famous podcast “Welcome to Night Vale,” and she has written both a book and a play. The latter was performed at the New York International Fringe Festival in 2013.

#5: Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman, who passed away in February of 2025, was a legend long before he played Little Bill Daggett in “Unforgiven” – a role that earned him a BAFTA, Oscar, and a Golden Globe. Hackman was notoriously private and rarely gave interviews. Perhaps he saw no need, or maybe he just didn't want to. Regardless, during one such rare interview with Larry King in 2004, Hackman announced he would be retiring. This left 2004's “Welcome to Mooseport” – a political satire in which he co-starred with Ray Romano – as his final feature film. After retirement, he focused more on writing and published two novels as a solo writer – “Payback at Morning Peak” and “Pursuit.”

#4: Rick Moranis

After first finding fame with the Canadian sketch comedy series “Second City Television,” Rick Moranis successfully transitioned to major Hollywood productions. With prominent roles in franchises like “Ghostbusters” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” Moranis quickly became a household name. Sadly, in 1991, his wife, Ann Belsky, passed away, leaving him to raise their two young children alone. The actor then made the difficult decision to step away from his thriving Hollywood career to focus on his kids. Although Moranis has been absent from live-action films, he has lent his voice to animated projects and appeared alongside Ryan Reynolds in an ad for Mint Mobile. He was set to reprise his role as Wayne Szalinski in an upcoming sequel “Shrunk,” but it was put on indefinite hold.

#3: Frankie Muniz

Muniz earned incredible popularity throughout the 2000s for his titular role on “Malcolm in the Middle,” while also venturing into film with movies like “Big Fat Liar” and “Agent Cody Banks.” Shortly after “Malcolm” wrapped in 2006, Muniz announced his retirement from acting and subsequently ventured into race car driving, performing music, and managing a band called Astro Lasso. And aside from a recent stint on “Dancing with the Stars,” Muniz is taking it easy with his partner Paige Prince. They recently co-managed a specialty olive oil shop in Arizona called “Outrageous Olive Oils & Vinegars.” Don’t fret, though, Muniz will be back in the driver’s seat for the 2026 “Malcolm in the Middle” revival.

#2: Cary Grant

Grant was one of the finest leading men in Hollywood history. He could do it all, from suave romantic leads to screwball goofs to the dark and introspective characters of Alfred Hitchcock. Grant eventually retired in 1966 in order to raise his newborn daughter, Jennifer, in peace. By then he had also grown disillusioned with the direction of Hollywood, believing that the Golden Age, for which he was a major part, was ending. He soon transitioned over to business work, becoming a director for both MGM and Fabergé. He also spent a lot of time traveling to Monaco, where his good friend Grace Kelly – herself retired from film – was literal royalty.

#1: Audrey Hepburn

Among the most esteemed of leading ladies during the Golden Age of Hollywood, Audrey Hepburn was the first actress in history to win the BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Oscar for the same film, doing so for her role in “Roman Holiday.” Later she would star in acclaimed films like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “My Fair Lady.” But Hepburn decided to leave the spotlight behind in the late '60s to focus on family, and she gave birth to her second child in 1970. While she never quit acting altogether, she devoted much of her time to UNICEF and visiting countries like Ethiopia, Turkey, and Vietnam, eventually earning the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her efforts.

What other Hollywood stars or celebs have left fame behind? Let us know in the comment section.